R e s p e c t
Aretha Franklin’s feminist anthem rocks on.The life of anthems can be strange. For example, critics continue to allege that India’s national anthem was composed to welcome George V as emperor of India. And when a young black woman sang the hell out of ‘Respect’ in a New York studio some 50 years ago, nobody knew it would go on to become an enduring anthem for a movement that was still crystallising – feminism. Today the Aretha Franklin song soars as a clarion call at #MeToo rallies.
In the intervening years there has been much progress, but not enough. Darkly, the endurance of the anthem testifies to the endurance of sexism, patriarchy, inequality. Brightly, it builds a powerful sisterhood across generations. “R-E-S-P-E-C-T find out what it means to me” – Aretha Franklin belted out those words with gospel soul, pounding the piano along with funky horns and guitar, and also a certain street playfulness. The spirits lift with the lyrics and the melody. They say, you can’t give up. Stay standing for your rights.
What’s really interesting is that the song was initially written by a man demanding respect from a wife. Aretha reauthored it. Remember how the raucous ‘Singh is Kinng’ featuring Snoop Dogg was reauthored for mild-mannered Manmohan Singh’s 2009 electoral coup. Hail the hybrid origins of anthems. In the case of ‘Respect’ they are a reminder that men must also pitch in to create a culture of respect for women, from pushing for equal opportunity hiring to raising their sons to understand consent.
Stay updated with The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 app, your definitive source for breaking news and comprehensive coverage from India and around the globe. Whether it's political developments, business updates, sports highlights, the latest technology trends, or current events, The Hindu brings live, accurate, and reliable news directly to your device.
Don’t fall for sensationalized or fake news shared online. Read and share accurate updates with friends and family through The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 app. Download it today!
News Coverage in The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 App
Breaking News: Receive instant notifications on breaking news stories as they unfold. Stay informed about major events and developments in India and around the world with live blogs, news in shorts videos, and concise articles.
Politics: Get the latest updates on Indian politics, including elections, policy changes, government decisions, and political events that shape the nation.
Business and Economy: Stay ahead in the economic landscape with detailed business news and market analysis. Learn about stock market trends, financial reports, corporate news, and economic developments to make informed investment decisions.
Current Events: Follow stories on social issues, policy changes, global events, and daily current affairs, tailored for UPSC and other competitive exam preparations.
Technology: Keep up with the latest gadgets, innovations, and tech trends. Read expert reviews and analyses in short, concise updates on cutting-edge technology from India and beyond.
Sports: Never miss a moment of your favorite sports. Get live scores, match reports, and expert analysis on cricket, football, tennis, and more.
International News: Stay informed about global events and geopolitical developments, including the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Palestine conflict, and other key international stories.
Local News: Stay connected to your community with the latest updates on city events, issues, and local news. Coverage includes hyperlocal updates from cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and more.
Trending Topics: Discover what's trending today with the most talked-about stories and hot topics across India and the world.
Experience journalism that values integrity, accuracy, and reliability. Download The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 app today and stay connected with the world.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
